News Release

Friday, July 13, 2001

Grandfather Kills His Daughter, and a Grandson, then Shoots Himself

"Grandfather Kills His Daughter, And A Grandson, Then Shoots Himself"

Sylmar - On Thursday, July 12, 2001, at approximately 1:18 P.M., Foothill Area officers responded to a report of shots fired at 15007 La Mesa Street. Upon arrival, officers were met by a resident of the location, who directed them to two deceased victims of gunshot wounds. Officers also observed a third individual who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition. A handgun has been recovered from the scene.

The investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as 60 year old Claude Wright, a resident of the location, had shot and killed his 19 year old daughter and his 8 year old grandson. He then shot himself in the head in what appears to be a suicide attempt. The daughter has been identified as Elizabeth Wright. Claude Wright has been arrested for murder and is under guard at the hospital pending transfer to the Jail Ward at the Los Angeles County Medical Center. No motive for the shooting has been established.

Foothill Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation and can be reached at 818-834-3115.